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Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids to Do
Literacy & ABCs Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Paper Plates 19 Comments
Science experiments are always a big hit in my house and this light experiment for kids will brighten everyone’s day – literally!
3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids
What three things can light do? This is the guiding question for this simple and fun light experiment for kids.
To Set up Your Own Simple Light Science Experiment, You’ll Need:
- Magnifying glass
- Paper plate or anything opaque
- Piece of paper
Try our favorite 50 simple science experiments .
Talking About Science Basics with Kids
Science activities are always a great time to practice using fun science terms. This simple light science experiment introduces three new ones:
- penetrate: or when light will pass through an object to be visible on the other side
- reflect: or when the light bounces back at you, like with a mirror or something shiny
- stop: or when the light is blocked, not reflecting or penetrating
- variable: what changes in different steps on the experiment
It can help if you write down these words and their meanings on a piece of paper or flashcards.
You could use actual words or draw a picture.
For older kids, you could also dive a little bit deeper. I love this quick explanation about the properties of light from Ducksters .
Before Your Light Experiments for Kids
This simple science experiment includes an opportunity for making predictions and recording observations.
Predicting is just making a guess based on what you already know.
You could get started by asking your kids: “What do you know about light?”
Create a quick and simple legend for the light experiment.
Write down your children’s predictions and make a quick chart. One column is for the prediction and the other is for the observation, plus some rows for the variables.
Label the rows with the names of your three objects, or variables (what’s changing each time). Hint: mirror, magnifying glass, plate, etc.
At the top of one column write: “What will the light do?” . (Prediction)
And then above the other column, write: “What does the light do?” . (Observations)
As you experiment, you’ll also jot down what happens with the light, or what you observe. Observe and observation in science is just a fancy way to explain telling what you saw happening during the experiment.
Ask these helpful questions as you predict what happens:
- Will the light penetrate the paper plate or will it stop?
- Will the light reflect off of the magnifying glass or penetrate?
- And will the mirror stop the light?
Take time to look at each object, discuss the three terms associated with light (penetrate, reflect, stop).
Make predictions, or guesses, about what the light will do with each object.
Write your predictions in the first column of the chart.
Now Experiment with Light Together
Once your predictions are made and the properties of light have been discussed, it’s time to do the experiment.
Choose the first object and have your kids shine the flashlight at the object.
Watch how the light reacts with the object. Does it shine through, shine back at you, or stop completely?
Record on your observation chart what the light did with that object. Check to see if your predictions were correct.
Keep going with the rest of the objects, making sure to observe and record your findings.
Our Easy Light Experiments for Kids
We chose the mirror first. My son held the mirror and my daughter used the flashlight.
I encouraged them to explain what they noticed about the light. Both recognized that the light was shining back at us, or reflecting.
We talked for a minute about using “refect” to describe what the light was doing.
Keep shining with a simple indoor reflection activity !
My daughter wrote “reflect” in our observation column on our chart. I helped her with the spelling, but only a little.
The Paper Plate
Our second variable for the light experiment was the paper plate. This time my kids switched roles with my daughter holding the plate and my son shining the flashlight at the object.
My kids quickly noticed that the light didn’t go anywhere except for on the plate.
We discussed together how this showed that the light stopped because the plate blocks or stops the light. I also added in the word “opaque,” which means that light does not pass through.
My son recorded “stop” for the plate.
You can also introduce the word “absorb” to your kids at this point in the experiment, as that is another term for stopping the light.
Originally, the kids had thought that the plate might reflect the light. Our prediction was incorrect and we talked about that for a minute or so.
Learn more about opaque objects with a fun shadow play activity !
The Magnifying Glass
Our final object was the magnifying glass. It was my turn to shine the light as both my kids held the object.
This time the light went through the magnifying glass, shining onto the floor below. I shared the term “transparent,” meaning that light passes completely through, as we talked about this part of the experiment.
I recorded our findings on the chart. We reviewed each object and outcome together while comparing our observations to our predictions.
Keep Playing with Light!
Even though we had finished the “formal” experiment, my kids kept the learning going! They ran through the house, shining the flashlight on all sorts of objects and saying whether the light reflected, stopped, or penetrated.
I love how much ownership they took of their learning!
We love playing with a fun flashlight scavenger hunt for kids !
This fun extension activity went on for quite a while. And it’s something that I know I can keep returning to again and again, adding more challenging terminology as they grow.
What are some other fun science experiments for kids you have done? We’d love to check-out your creative learning ideas!
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About Alisha Warth
I have raised my children doing activities with them. As a homeschool mom, I am always looking for ways to make our learning fun. I'm honored to be able to contribute my ideas to the awesome site that is Hands On As We Grow.
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19 comments.
Stacey A Johnson says
November 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing! I have been putting science bags together to send home for my kinders because we are doing online school….I was looking for some light activities because we are going to tie them into the holidays we study in December. (The idea that most celebrations, customs, rituals, use some sort of light) I can’t wait to do this with them!
MaleSensePro says
February 10, 2020 at 11:29 pm
Its a great learning experience.. its indeed the best kind of way kids should learn, thanks for sharing :)
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Top 15 Light Related Science Experiments
Light experiments lets us unlock some of nature’s most intriguing riddles and appreciate the magic that illuminates our everyday experiences.
We have carefully selected the best light-related experiments, prioritizing fun and educational experiences that will surely engage young minds.
Our compilation of light experiments will illuminate the minds of students and teachers alike. This curated collection offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the captivating world of light through hands-on activities.
1. Potato Light Bulb
Prepare to be amazed by the power of potatoes in our extraordinary potato light bulb experiments! In these captivating experiments, students will discover the remarkable ability of a humble potato to generate electricity and light up an LED bulb.
Learn more: Potato Light Bulb
2. Bending Light
In these mesmerizing light experiments, students have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of refraction and explore the wonders of bending light.
3. Light Refraction
By engaging in these experiments, students will not only witness the mesmerizing effects of light refraction but also gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind it.
4. Newton’s Light Spectrum Experiment
Step into the fascinating world of light and color with Newton’s Light Spectrum Experiment! Inspired by the groundbreaking discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton, these captivating experiments will take students on a journey to explore the nature of light.
5. Newton’s Prism Experiment
Learn about optics and unravel the mysteries of light with Newton’s Prism Experiment. Inspired by Sir Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking discoveries, these experiments offer a thrilling opportunity for students to explore the phenomenon of light dispersion and the creation of a vivid spectrum of colors.
6. Total Internal Reflection
These experiments provide a hands-on opportunity for students to observe and investigate how total internal reflection can be harnessed in practical applications such as fiber optics and reflective surfaces.
7. Colored Light Experiments
Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant world of colors with these captivating colored light experiments! In these hands-on activities, students will uncover the magic of colored light and its intriguing properties.
8. Capture a Light Wave
By employing innovative techniques and tools, students will learn how to capture and analyze light waves, unraveling the secrets hidden within their intricate patterns.
9. Home-made Kaleidescope
Unleash your creativity and embark on a mesmerizing journey of light and patterns with our homemade kaleidoscope experiments! By constructing your very own kaleidoscope, you’ll unlock optical wonders.
Learn more: Home-made Kaleidescope
10. Push Things with Light
Through engaging hands-on activities, students will experiment with the fascinating principles of photon momentum and the transfer of energy through light.
11. Erase Light with a Laser: The Photon Experiment
Can light be erased? Through hands-on activities, students will discover surprising answers. By utilizing lasers, students will learn about the principles of photon absorption and emission, investigating whether it is possible to erase light.
12. Exploring Shapes and Patterns on a Mirror Box
By creating your own mirror box, you’ll learn about optical illusions and reflections. In these experiments, students will explore the fascinating interplay between light, mirrors, and geometry.
Learn more: Exploring Shapes and Patterns on a Mirror Box
13. Electromagnetic Spectrum Experiment
Get ready for an illuminating adventure as we dive into the fascinating world of visible light where students will have the opportunity to explore the electromagnetic spectrum and unravel the mysteries of light.
14. Light Patterns in a Box
By manipulating light sources and objects, students will witness the magic of shadows, diffraction, and interference, resulting in a dazzling display of intricate patterns and colors.
Learn more: Light Patterns in a Box
15. Light Maze
Prepare to navigate a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting world of light with our captivating light maze experiments! In these immersive activities, students will learn about the magic of manipulating light to create intricate mazes and pathways.
Similar Posts:
- 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
- Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Top 58 Creative Art Activities for Kids and Preschoolers
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Light & Sound Activities & Lesson Plans for First Grade
Teaching Science has definitely not been my favorite subject to teach…even in first grade! It always seemed so challenging to explain such difficult concepts to kids! I’m hopeful these ideas for teaching light & sound worksheets and activities will be as helpful for you as they were for me. 👇
I’m not gonna lie…I often pushed Science off in my plan book because I wouldn’t want to face the questions from first graders {lame, I know!} When my school district decided to move over to the Next Generation Science Standards, I knew I had to get ahead of this curve and dive in deep. I set out to create easy to understand and do science lessons!
I am SO excited for my first unit in the 1st Grade Standards, Sound & Light ! You guys, this labor of love was created so that ALL of us can easily teach the NGSS and actually understand it!
This unit is chock-full of step-by-step lessons, experiments , anchor charts, book suggestions, YouTube videos , response sheets and more to make sure your students understand Sound & Light through hands-on experiments and investigations.
Each lesson includes a learning target, background information, talking points, a book suggestion, and
Background Info for the Teacher & Prepping for Lessons
When I taught from our Science curriculum, I was always so overwhelmed by how much background info was provided! Was I going to be tested at the end? Eeeek!
In this Sound & Light Investigations unit I’ve shared just the right amount of information to totally “get” what you’re teaching! There are also easy-to-understand vocabulary posters to help your students understand these big ideas!
Each of the investigations uses super simple materials that you have around your classroom or can easily get from parents. I’ve included a Materials List to make gathering these goodies easy!
I’ve also included a Family Letter to inform your students’ families about what they’re learning about!
What is a Scientist? Activity
Kick off the unit by chatting about what being a scientist actually means!
Kids L•O•V•E science! Get them thinking about just what a Scientist does! It’s fun to gauge their thinking and start meaningful conversations about science. The bonus is that your students will start to see themselves as scientists!
I had SO much fun doing these experiments when I was making this unit, so I am certain you will, too! The best part – your students will definitely have fun and learn about light & sound along the way!
Sound Activities & Lesson Plan Ideas for 1st Grade
You’ll start this set of sound explorations by taking your kiddos outside for a sound hunt. Give them a while to explore and record the sounds they hear using their senses. They’ll fill out a mini book and add their sounds to a poster.
Once your students have an awareness that sound is everywhere , you’ll move into lessons to get them making sounds and understanding sound waves.
This kazoo is SURE to be a hit in that exploration!
In the following lessons, students will continue to explore how sound moves and how they can change the sound things make. Simple supplies from around your classroom will give students a chance to make their very own instruments!
Thankfully I had this cutie to help me test out this hanger instrument! This lesson helps students see how sound moves through different materials.
The final lesson in the sound exploration gives students a chance to see how sound moves through solids, liquids & gases.
By the end of these experiments, students will have a good understanding of sound! I’ve included book suggestions, YouTube links, and additional ways to extend the lessons!
Light Activities & Lesson Plans for 1st Grade
Here’s a peek at all the lessons for sound.
To start, your students will explore why light is needed! Without light, we can’t see anything!
Then, you’ll move into a discussion about Natural vs. Artificial light.
The students will follow up the discussion with this PowerPoint game. Check out a sneak peek below!
After understanding that light is necessary to see and that there are various ways to see light, you’ll move into a bit meatier ideas. In the next lesson, kids will investigate different materials to see how light reacts.
Grab some cheap flashlights from the dollar store and a few different cups and you’re all set to go!
Through exploration, the students will see that light affects transparent, opaque, and translucent materials differently!
By far, my favorite lesson is #4 – Eye Tricks!
Students will do a light experiment to see just how refraction works! I bet this will be a crowd pleaser in your classroom!
Check it out in action!
Have you ever met a kid who doesn’t love a mirror? Well, turn that fun and curiosity into some learning with these explorations.
Students will explore with mirrors, toys, and lights to see what happens with light!
To wrap up your light study, you’ll give students a chance to head outside and explore shadows!
Lesson Ideas to Better Understand Sound & Light
To show their learning, students will wrap up the unit combining their knowledge of sound and light!
First up, they’ll create a telephone using string and cups. Don’t you remember doing this when you were a kid? Now, you can do it again…and share the science behind it!
And the final project will be creating a way to communicate with a friend…without speaking! Your students are sure to get creative with this activity!
Recap of Sound & Light Activities and Lesson Plans for 1st Grade
I promise this entire Sound & Light Investigations unit is TEACHER friendly! The kids will have so much fun learning and exploring that they won’t even realize they’re learning those new Next Generation Science Standards!
Go find it in The Lucky Shop here!
Want to check out some Sound & Light books for teaching this unit? This post has my favorite light and sound books!
- Published: September 4, 2017
- Updated on: September 9, 2024
- Filed Under: Science
One Response
Hi, Thank you for the great FOSS info. We are also teaching Sound and Light for the first time. Can you share what your report card grades for this unit?
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Light Science for Kids: Ways to Explore Refraction and Reflection
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more on our disclosure page .
Here’s a fun collection of light science for kids ! You’ll find light science experiments about both light refraction and light reflection in this science roundup.
Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!
Because we have been having so much fun with our most recent light science activities, I decided to round up some more fun science ideas for kids having to do with light. You’ll find ideas for examining light refraction (the bending of light) and light reflection (when light bounces off an object) in this collection, as well as science experiments for various ages- from preschool and on up!
10+ Light Science Activities for Kids
Light refraction and rainbow science.
Make a Spectroscope Using a Cardboard Tube from Buggy and Buddy
Explore Light Patterns with a CD and Paper from Buggy and Buddy
Rainbow Science: Exploring Prisms from Buggy and Buddy
Light Box Magic from True Aim
Making a Rainbow with Water and a Mirror from No Twiddle Twaddle
Light Refraction with Water
Water Refraction Science Experiment from What Do We Do All Day?
How to Make a Magnifying Glass from Science Sparks
Light Reflection and Mirrors
How to Make a Kaleidoscope from Buggy and Buddy
Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Buggy and Buddy
Water, Mirrors, and Reflection from My Nearest and Dearest
Exploring Shapes and Patterns in a Mirror Box from The Imagination Tree
Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Little Bins for Little Hands
Explore Light Patterns with a Mylar Light Box from Buggy and Buddy
Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here , or b uy it now here !
Chelsey was previously an elementary teacher for 12 years and is now creating, playing, and learning at home with her two children. You can follow Buggy and Buddy on Twitter or Facebook by clicking on the icons below.
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Simple Reflection of Light Experiment for Kids
Try this reflection of light experiment with your kids. It’s easy! Just grab a flashlight and some everyday objects. Then ask kids to reflect the beam onto the wall.
Ms. Sneed Prepares Her Reflection of Light Experiment
Our favorite fourth grade teacher sat at the side table with her teaching partner. “Let’s continue planning our light energy unit . Next up: reflection of light. It’s another science station, so kids will work in their lab groups.”
“Okay, I’ll pull up the lab sheet,” Mr. Frank replied.
Gathering the Materials
As usual, Ms. Sneed headed toward the science cupboard. Before too long, she returned with a flashlight and a baggie full of everyday objects.
“What do we have here?” she said as she dumped the contents of the bag. “Yep, some shiny, some dark or bumpy, and some in between.”
Mr. Frank chuckled. “Looks like everything but the kitchen sink. But seriously, what an easy lab! With just a flashlight and some random materials – all found right in our classrooms – we can conduct this simple experiment.”
“Yes, and keeping it in a baggie from year to year saves us a bundle of time.”
Positioning the Flashlight
“Hmm,” said Mr. Frank. “I can’t remember exactly how this reflection lab goes.” He picked up a Christmas ornament and the flashlight. Then he walked toward the wall.
“I know that we shine the beam on the object.” He turned on the flashlight. Holding the ornament directly in front of him, he shone the light on it. Unfortunately, the beam bounced off the ornament and onto his dark sweater, where it was absorbed.”
“No,” Ms. Sneed giggled. “Let me show you.” Without a beat, Mr. Frank handed her the flashlight and ornament. Then, as she stood perpendicular to the wall, Ms. Sneed trained the flashlight beam so that it bounced onto the side of the ornament and onto the wall.
“Aha. You shone it almost straight at the wall but with the ornament in between. Maybe at a 140 degree angle? Obviously, I’ll have to model this for my students. Otherwise, they’ll spend too much time figuring it out.”
“Good idea. In my opinion, the actual angle doesn’t matter. Just so the beam bounces onto the wall. That way, kids can analyze how much light actually reflected off of the object.”
Categorizing Reflection of Light
Mr. Frank looked at the screen of his laptop. “The reflection lab sheet has three columns. For the first, kids list stuff that reflects. In other words, all or most light bounces back. For the second, they write objects that partially reflect. And in the third, they place items that absorb.”
Experiment with Reflection of All (or Most) Light
As Ms. Sneed picked through the pile of objects, she pushed shiny things to the side. “When the flashlight shines on the CD, mirror, metal lid, and ornament, all or most of the beam will bounce onto the wall.”
Mr. Frank nodded. “At the bottom of the page, kids have to list words that describe objects that reflect all or most light. Looking at these objects, I’d say ‘shiny.’ What other words could they use?”
“Words like ‘smooth,’ ‘dense,’ and ‘hard’ would also work.”
Experiment with Reflection of Some Light
Next, Ms. Sneed pulled out items that had a little – but not much – luster: a piece of Styrofoam, a plastic lid, and a base-ten block. “For this reflection of light lab, I’d say these fall into the partial column.”
Mr. Frank looked at the remaining items. “Hey, what about this hand lens? It’s dense and smooth, but when the beam hits it, part of it will pass through. That will really make kids think.”
As he spoke, Ms. Sneed picked up a white paper plate. “Hmm, I suppose this will also go in the middle column. Some light will reflect when the flashlight beam hits it.”
Experiment with Absorption of Light
Both teachers looked at the remaining items in the pile: a wadded up piece of paper towel and a sock.
“Because they are bumpy and porous, these should absorb. But as they experiment with reflection of light, kids could argue that a little bit bounces off of them – especially if we darken the room. Additionally, our students may already know that white tends to reflect while black absorbs,” said Mr. Frank.
“Hmm, both of these objects are white. Let’s add a piece of black fabric or a black sock to the bag.”
“Can we take this a little farther? To really make them think, let’s also add something black that’s smooth and has some luster. You know, like a black pool ball or a mini chalkboard. That way, they will find out that a variety of conditions allow light to be absorbed.”
“Great idea,” said Ms. Sneed, “because objects that totally absorb are dark and bumpy.”
The two teachers looked at each other and smiled. Oh how they loved making kids think!
Extending Reflection of Light Lab
“In this p hysical science activity ,” said Mr. Frank, “kids will also rotate through centers that explore characteristics of light , opacity , refraction , and color . If kids finish this station early, they can experiment with reflection of light with objects around the room.”
Enjoy Teaching
“Great!” Ms. Sneed responded. “I love this set of light activities . It lets kids experiment with reflection of light – and more.”
“Not only that,” her teaching partner responded. “They also work independently and become totally engaged.”
Light Refraction -- Fun, INDEPENDENT Experiments
20 comments
Neat activities!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, these are great. We did this topic and science fair a little earlier this year. I am going to do this next year. I agree with you on how much the students love to do hands-on science. My class loves even the simplest of experiments and demonstrations. Thanks so much for sharing.
Love this! I plan on doing a lot of fun, hands-on science after state testing as well as holding a classroom science fair. This is perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks everyone! My parents and students of all ages really loved them....though I do have to say, there was water all over. So make sure you have some big buckets to put the stuff in.
Great Blog! I am your newest follower! Adrienne Unless Teaching
Very awesome! I just did the bending pencil activity in my class last week, and may plan some of these other activities soon. Thanks much for the inspiration!
We have an annual science fair at our school. I love the idea of setting up stations like this to get the students thinking and asking questions. Artistry of Education
I loved this post! I am teaching a unit on light next term and these activities will be perfect. I am wondering if it's at all possible please to download the rationales as well? I would be happy to buy them through TPT. Thanks for such a great site. All of your posts inspire me to be more rigorous in my teaching!
Never mind - just found it at the end of the Google Docs. I'm like those kids who never read all the instructions before starting an activity ;) Thanks for sharing this resource with us!
I love this site! Thank you for sharing your great ideas and resources! I'm student teaching and looking for hands on labs for my sixth grade. I liked the idea of the broken pencil because it incorporated density by using the saltwater, however when I try it at home I can't seem to get it to work. I've created a solution of 1/2 cup of salt to about 1 cup of water... it was pretty saturated... any ideas of what I'm doing wrong? I can see the density line, but it doesn't translate to 'break' the pencil.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Brilliantly executed.
Thank you! I am always looking for more ways to teach refraction. Can't wait to try it!
Brilliant- these will help my Grade 5s understand more about refraction (they certainly helped me!!)
Can you explain the magnification experiment more?
This is AWESOME, Stephanie! We are doing light right now. I've got to get my butt in gear and do this with them. Thanks for the great post! FlapJack
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Thank you so much for your help with these experiments. You are truly an amazing teacher. Thank you for the worksheets and the answers.
Fantastic site. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas. I'm looking forward to teaching this unit now!!
Great ideas and awesome resources. I have always struggled with getting students to record their observations. I think these will work great! Thank you for sharing!
Please leave a comment! I love to hear what you think about what is posted :)
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The free STEM projects, experiments, lessons and activities below help educators teach K-12 students about the physics of light, specifically, visible light, with hands-on exploration and active learning. The resources below have been grouped by grade band to help educators select the experiments and lessons that best fit their needs.
This simple light science experiment introduces three new ones: penetrate: or when light will pass through an object to be visible on the other side. reflect: or when the light bounces back at you, like with a mirror or something shiny. stop: or when the light is blocked, not reflecting or penetrating. variable: what changes in different steps ...
3. Light Refraction. Cool Light Refraction Science Experiment. Watch on. By engaging in these experiments, students will not only witness the mesmerizing effects of light refraction but also gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind it. 4. Newton's Light Spectrum Experiment.
With easy-to-follow instructions and simple materials, these exciting experiments dive into basic concepts such as reflection, absorption, diffusion, and much more. I scoured the internet to discover the BEST activities for experimenting with light. This post includes dozens of fun science light experiments for kids to keep you and your kids ...
This unit is chock-full of step-by-step lessons, experiments, anchor charts, book suggestions, YouTube videos, response sheets and more to make sure your students understand Sound & Light through hands-on experiments and investigations. Each lesson includes a learning target, background information, talking points, a book suggestion, and.
Here's a fun collection of light science for kids! You'll find light science experiments about both light refraction and light reflection in this science roundup. Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board! Because we have been having so much fun with our most recent light science activities, I decided to round up some more...
The lenses should block the light completely at 90o and allow light to pass-through when aligned at 0o. Think of your sunglasses as light filters. They allow some light to pass through but not all. When you rotate the lenses to 90o, you block out all visible light. More About Polarization You use the filter principle in the kitchen. When
Categorizing Reflection of Light. Mr. Frank looked at the screen of his laptop. "The reflection lab sheet has three columns. For the first, kids list stuff that reflects. In other words, all or most light bounces back. For the second, they write objects that partially reflect. And in the third, they place items that absorb.".
This experiment helps the kids see how water and glass can magnify things. Bending Light -- sticking a straight pencil into a clear plastic glass of water, the kids are able to see how the light moves through water and appears to "bend" the pencil. Since many of these experiments use water, I would recommend having some of them (especially the ...
In this Episode of Jojo Science show we do 10 easy, amazing and interesting experiments for kids based on light. These experiments will spark kids interest i...